救命，欧洲人要被“强迫”吃虫了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the European Union's new regulation allowing the use of mealworms in food products starting January 20, 2025, highlighting the controversial acceptance of insects as a sustainable food source amidst public resistance and concerns about consumer choice [4][11][15]. Group 1: Regulation and Public Reaction - The EU has approved the use of yellow mealworms in food, allowing up to 4% in bread and 3.5% in cakes, following safety assessments by EFSA [11][4]. - Many Europeans express strong opposition to the regulation, with calls for boycotts against companies selling insect-based products [6][7]. - Public sentiment includes skepticism about the necessity of consuming insects, with many questioning the EU's motives behind promoting insect consumption [9][12]. Group 2: Environmental and Economic Context - The push for insect consumption is linked to a projected protein crisis by 2050, where global meat demand is expected to exceed 150 million tons annually, leading to significant environmental impacts from traditional livestock farming [15][16]. - Insect farming is presented as a solution, requiring only 1% of the land to produce equivalent protein compared to traditional livestock [16]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Acceptance - Prior to the EU's regulation, brands have already begun incorporating insects into their products, with studies showing higher acceptance when insects are processed into powder rather than presented whole [18][19]. - The market for edible insects is projected to reach $9.6 billion by 2030, indicating a significant potential for growth in this sector [27]. Group 4: Social and Cultural Implications - The article highlights the cultural stigma associated with eating insects, often viewed as a symbol of lower social status, which affects consumer acceptance [32][34]. - The lack of celebrity endorsement for insect-based foods contributes to their limited appeal among higher-income consumers, with a significant percentage expressing refusal to consume them [34][30]. Group 5: Conspiracy Theories and Mistrust - The article discusses conspiracy theories surrounding the promotion of insect consumption, particularly involving high-profile investors like Bill Gates, raising concerns about the motivations behind the push for insect-based diets [24][26]. - Critics argue that the promotion of insect consumption may be more about profit than environmental sustainability, reflecting a broader issue of consumer rights and choice [29][36].